Lady Chevrons face Irish litmus test
FRESH from conquering Africa again, Zimbabwe Women will face a stiff test of their credentials when they host Ireland Women for a limited-overs series in Harare this month.
The tour includes three one-day international matches and five Twenty20 international games, all to be played at Harare Sports Club in the capital.
The ODIs are scheduled for 18, 21 and 23 January, followed by the T20Is on 26, 28 and 30 January and 1 and 2 February.
The two teams last met in an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier decider in 2022 when Ireland Women won by four runs to seal their place at the last ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
This tour comes at a time Zimbabwe Women are brimming with confidence after winning the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier played in Uganda in December to book their place at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier to be held in the United Arab Emirates this year.
However, they will have to do without two of their stalwarts, Josephine Nkomo and Modester Mupachikwa, who will miss the Ireland series due to club commitments in Australia.
Their absence has opened up opportunities for the trio of 15-year-old Beloved Biza, former Under-19 starlet Adel Zimunu and veteran batter Pellagia Mujaji who have been brought into the squad.
Before the series gets underway, the Irish will face a Zimbabwe Women ‘A’ side in a 50-over warm-up match set for 16 January at Sunrise Sports Club.
ZIMBABWE WOMEN SQUAD
Mary-Anne Musonda (captain), Kelis Ndhlovu, Beloved Biza, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Adel Zimunu,
Ashley Ndiraya, Nyasha Gwanzura, Loreen Tshuma, Chiyedza Dhururu (wicketkeeper), Precious Marange, Audrey Mazvishaya, Nomvelo Sibanda, Francisca Chipare, Lindokuhle Mabhera, Pellagia Mujaji –Zim Cricket
MATCH SCHEDULE
16 January Warm-Up Sunrise Sports Club 9.15am 18 January 1st Harare Sports Club 9.15am
ODI 21 January 2nd Harare Sports Club 9.15am
ODI 23 January 3rd Harare Sports Club 9.15am
ODI 26 January 1st T20I Harare Sports Club 1.00pm 28 January 2nd T20I Harare Sports Club 1.00pm 30 January 3rd T20I Harare Sports Club 1.00pm 1 February 4th T20I Harare Sports Club 6.30pm 2 February 5th T20I Harare Sports Club 6.30pm